Liv Kelly

I don't know about you, but I think we're pretty damn lucky to have world-class festivals just a tube ride away. Before you know it, you're catching your most listened-to artists in a field, tinny to hand and while contemplating afterparties or a hot shower and bowl of cereal before bed (just me?). We're a city that loves live music, we all know that. And so we're absolutely spoilt for choice when summer rolls around. You've got festivals devoted to hip-hop, jazz, leftfield pop and heavy rock ‘n’ roll. Whatever your taste may be, my god does London have a day festival for you. Have a scroll through some of our recommendations and start planning a fantastic summer in 2025.  But be warned, these events are selling out fast. So get your tickets right now if you know what’s good for ya! RECOMMENDED: ⛺ The best UK music festivals🌍 The best festivals in Europe

London is absolutely world-class when it comes to museums. Obviously, we’re pretty biased, but with more than 170 of them dotted about the capital – a huge chunk of which are free to visit – we think it’s fair to say that there’s nowhere else in the world that does museums better.  Want to explore the history of TfL? We’ve got a museum for that. Rather learn about advertising? We’ve got a museum for that too. History? Check. Science? Check. 1940s cinema memorabilia, grotesque eighteenth-century surgical instruments, or perhaps a wall of 4,000 mouse skeletons? Check, check and check! Being the cultured metropolitans that we are, Time Out’s editors love nothing more than a wholesome afternoon spent gawping at Churchill’s baby rattle or some ancient Egyptian percussion instruments. In my case, the opportunity to live on the doorstep of some of the planet’s most iconic cultural institutions was a big reason why I moved here at the first chance I got, and I’ve racked up countless hours traipsing around display cases and deciphering needlessly verbose wall texts in the eleven years since. From iconic collections, brilliant curation and cutting-edge tech right down to nice loos, adequate signage and a decent place to grab a cuppa; my colleagues and I know exactly what we want from a museum, and we’ve put in a whole lot of time deliberating which of the city’s institutions are worth your time. So here’s our take on the 25 best ones to check out around London, ranging from world-famou

It felt like we’d never get here, but finally, January is behind us and we’ve reached the first days of February – which also happens to be the first weekend of the month. The days are getting longer, payday has arrived, we’re feeling more inclined to get out of the house and London’s ever-inventive events organisers and creatives are here to welcome you with events full of colour and energy that look forward to brighter, sunnier times.  Get a well-needed dopamine hit this weekend by welcoming in the Year of the Snake at London’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the largest of which takes over Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End with a huge parade and free performances. Head to Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism at the RA, which our art critic describes as a ‘gorgeous’ display that ‘addresses the challenges of life in Brazil. Poverty, racism, immigration, radicalism and more colour than your eyes can handle.’ Or, look forward to warmer days at Kew Garden’s annual Orchid Festival which lets you retreat into the hot, steamy glasshouses filled with pretty displays inspired by the flora and fauna of Peru. And the feel-good vibes don’t stop there. Bask in the warm glow of Luke Jerram’s latest installation at Greenwich’s Painted Hall Helios – a giant sculpture of the Sun. Fill your ears with heady music as Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival has a mini-residency at the Southbank Centre with concerts dedicated to iconic songstress Nina Simone. Or, have a laugh at the annua

Europe is becoming more and more expensive, and many of our traditionally 'cheap' cities are no longer so. Popular destinations in Greece, Spain, Italy and other countries are affected by mass tourism, and prices are starting to be similar everywhere. But don't worry: if you're travelling on a budget this year, there are still plenty of places you can visit. The best part? These destinations see far fewer tourists and crowds, and flights to get there will likely be much cheaper, too. You'll find everything from vibrant capitals to off-the-beaten-track towns on our list. Ready to discover another side of Europe that will allow you to dine out? Read on to find out the cheapest cities to visit in Europe this year. DON'T MISS IT: 🏝 The 20 best beaches in Catalonia  🌱 The 11 most beautiful and wild nudist beaches in Spain  🌺 The most beautiful and unique gardens in Catalonia  🏡 The most beautiful villages in Catalonia  😋 12 amazing restaurants near Barcelona  ❤️ Romantic getaways near Barcelona 

While you shouldn’t only shower your mum with love and appreciation on one day of the year, you’ll definitely be in the doghouse if you forget to make her feel special on Mother’s Day (Sunday March 30 2025). Keep yourself in her good books and, as well as a thoughtful present and card, treat mum to a wholesome day out at one of London’s top mum-friendly events. You can’t move for lovely afternoon teas across the city around this time of year, or you can take your mum on a stroll around some of London’s prettiest shops, take in some culture at one of the best current art exhibitions or sit back and watch a fab new theatre production. Personally, I like to take my mum to a cosy restaurant for a fancy meal – a tasty Sunday lunch hasn’t failed me yet. Check out our top picks for the best events to take the most important woman in your life this Mother’s Day 2025. RECOMMENDED: the full guide to Mother’s Day in London 

This is about the time when the January blues start to hit pretty hard. It’s dark at 4pm, you’ve got no money left after Christmas and winter feels like it’s dragging on forever. But we’re here to tell you that things are looking up, because 2025 is going to be a corker of a year for the UK.  It turns out that 2025 is going to be a bit of a big one, with a number of landmark occasions being celebrated across Britain. There’s Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in Southampton, as well as the art-packed Folkestone Triennial, a celebration of 200 years of the British railway in York and Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture festivities. Then, there are up-and-coming foodie towns in Cornwall, music scenes that are popping off in Cardiff and Belfast, and the reopening of grand cultural insitutions like the Tate Liverpool.  If there’s ever been a good time to book a trip, it’s now (it might even help keep some SAD at bay). There is so much fantastic stuff happening across the country this year, so read our list curated by local experts of the best places to visit in the UK in 2025, and get stuck in.  RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧 The 25 best new things to do in the UK in 2025📍The 12 most underrated city breaks in the UK 🏨 The UK’s 13 best new hotels opening in 2025👨‍👩‍👧 6 amazing places to stay with Kids in the UK

Amsterdam is one of the world’s best cities, no doubt about it. Every wander down a cobbled street will take you somewhere excited, whether you're a foodie, curious about the Red Light District, or in the mood to party for 24 hours straight. And as a tourism capital, it’s no surpise that it’s overrun with exceptional places to stay, from 18th-century canalside mansions to converted bridge keepers’ houses and seriously high-grade establishments.  So if you’re looking for a tip-top place to bed down after a day of exploring the city’s best museums, attractions and coffee shops, you’ve come to the right place. From the city centre through to De Negen Straatjes, here are the best hotels in Amsterdam right now. Updated January 2025: We re-reviewed Amsterdam’s five-star Conservatorium Hotel to see if it’s up-to-scratch (spoiler: it is). See where we ranked it below! RECOMMENDED:🏠 The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam🌳 Where to stay in Amsterdam 📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam🎀 The best boutique hotels in Amsterdam Ella Doyle and Grace Beard are Time Out’s travel editors. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

This bustling coastal city is absolutely steeped in history, maritime heritage, and of course, there's loads to see. It’s roots date back as far as the Stone Age, and it's first ever museum (the Tudor House) remains a top attraction, with gorgeous gardens and guided tours on offer.  There’s plenty of modern-day action too, with a treasured football team, The Saints, and their fans bringing life to the city on match day. Southampton is also only a 20-minute drive away from the New Forest, or a ferry-ride away from the Isle of Wight, there's plenty going on that makes this city worth a visit. Check out our list of top picks for all the best things to do in Southampton.  RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The best things to in the New Forest🏖️ The best seaside towns in the UK💕 The best things to do in the UK Annie McNamee is a writer at Time Out UK. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

The humble brunch is perhaps one of the greatest inventions of the modern age. Breakfast is too early to really get stuck into, while eating eggs and downing buckets of coffee at lunchtime seems odd. Brunch, then, is the one true morning-ish meal, especially if it incorporates pancakes, bacon and those aforementioned eggs – or a totally vegan take on proceedings like at LD's at The Black Heart in Camden or WAVE in Hackney. London is particularly well stocked with places to indulge in the famous breakfast/lunch hybrid – the latest addition to this list is FKA Black Axe Mangal in Highbury, which has just started serving weekend brunch (don’t forgot to order a pig cheek and prune donut). Let us guide you to the best restaurants for a fabulous brunch in our city, from a traditional full English to innovative twists on the majestic meal, such as a bacon bao brunch. And it’s not just a weekend treat; some of these spots serve brunch every single day.  RECOMMENDED: Like unlimited fizz with your fry-up? Here are the best bottomless brunches in London.  Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. Want to brunch for less? Check out the awesome selection at Time Out Offers.

It’s never too early to start planning for the new festival season, as while we agonisingly wait for the announcement of headliners for some of the world’s finest festivals (Glasto, we’re looking at you), others have already got themselves together (Primavera Sound, NOS Alive, Coachella, we thank you) with brilliant programmes of who are set to be some of 2025’s hottest artists.  And no matter your music taste, who you’re going with, your weather preference or your capacity for camping, the world will have a festival that’s right for you, from Europe to the USA, Canada to Japan and Australia to India. Overwhelmed? Don’t sweat – here’s our comprehensive roundup of the best festivals in the world taking place in 2025. RECOMMENDED:🌤️The best festivals in Europe in 2025🎪The best festivals in the UK in 2025🎭The best things to do in the world this year🌃The best cities in the world right now At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

While the gluttony of December and the high hopes of January are fading, February can be a pretty drab month, but it’s actually a brilliant time to travel – dismiss getting away at this time of year, and you’d really be missing out.  From mountain-top festivals in South America to scenes of beautiful rare wildlife on the coasts of South Africa, there are plenty of destinations which really shine in February, and we’re here to point you in the right direction – here’s our roundup of the very best places to travel at this time of year. RECOMMENDED:🌟The best places in the world for stargazing🏂The best affordable ski resorts in Europe🎨The best cities in the world for culture At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Finally, after what felt like a never-ending slog through the bleakest month of the year, we’ve made it to the final days of January – and already spring is on the horizon. Even if the weather isn’t quite playing ball, London’s ever-inventive events organisers and creatives are putting on a slew of events full of colour and energy that look forward to brighter, sunnier days.  Get a well-needed dopamine hit by welcoming in the Year of the Snake at London’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the largest of which takes over Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End with a huge parade and free performances. Head to ‘Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism’ at the RA, which our art critic describes as a “gorgeous” display that “addresses the challenges of life in Brazil. Poverty, racism, immigration, radicalism and more colour than your eyes can handle.” Or, look forward to warmer days at Kew Garden’s annual Orchid Festival which lets you retreat into the hot, steamy glasshouses filled with pretty displays inspired by the flora and fauna of Peru. And the feel-good vibes don’t stop there. Bask in the warm glow of Luke Jerram’s latest installation at Greenwich’s Painted Hall ‘Helios’ – a giant sculpture of the Sun. Fill your ears with heady music as Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival has a mini-residency at the Southbank Centre with concerts dedicated to iconic songstress Nina Simone. Or, have a laugh at the annual explosion of silliness that is Hackney’s Grimaldi Service, where dozen

Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe

Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe

Landing in Keflavik on a frosty 2C afternoon is a bit of a shock to the system compared to the balmy October temperatures of the UK, but once we start winding through the snow-dusted, ash-coloured peaks that loom moodily over Iceland’s coast, the biting cold feels appropriate.  Thankfully, the nippy feeling doesn’t last long. ION’s collection of hotels includes four properties – ION City and Hotel Von (starting rates are €430 and €175 respectively) where we stay in Reykjavik, Hotel Budir (from €277), our first stop nestled cosily between the mountains and the lapping shore of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and ION Adventure (€565) which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024. Each embody the Nordic concept of ‘hygge’, that feeling of convivial cosiness that you can only really experience in such perishingly cold places.  All are intrinsically Icelandic, but ION Adventure is the true show-stopper. A sleek glass box emerging from the moss-laden Mount Hengill, the hotel is a bold contrast to the tumbling volcanic landscape around it. But that landscape is still incorporated into the design, with furniture made from locally-sheered wool and actual lava. Sustainability is at the heart of these designs – even the sinks are made from recycled tires – and much of the interior is crafted by Icelandic architects. The hallway leading to the brand-new wing of 23 rooms (where we stayed) features bare concrete walls which will not be painted – paint is bad for the environment, guys – an

You’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated upon approaching Eastwell Manor. Its stern, neo-Elizabethan stone façade is dotted with boxy windows which appear as if they allow little light, and reaching reception involves dragging your luggage through an eerily still, imposing courtyard. But the vibe’s pretty different inside.  Through the comically large, dark-wood doors, the formality of the building does match the tone of the service, but we were warmly greeted by wafts from the restaurant, the excited buzz of guests from a wedding party and formally dressed but amicable team members. And that’s what’s unexpected about this place – how homely a massive country estate (particularly one with a tennis court, a hawking centre and beehives) can feel as soon as you arrive.  Our room, in the cottage buildings in the west corner of the grounds, was one designated for people on a spa break (it’s only a two-minute walk from the spa building) and other guests were flitting between the two buildings in just their dressing gowns, despite the October chill. The spa itself, the facilities of which include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room on the ground floor, as well as a restaurant, plus treatment and ‘relaxation’ rooms upstairs, does all the things a good spa should do, but is perhaps not quite matched to the size of the hotel – we arrived mid-afternoon to cop a poolside seat but were left with only one available spot to plonk ourselves. But the hotel doesn’t just of

Hidden neatly away underneath its sister restaurant Kinkally, this intimate, sultrily-lit subterranean bar is an unusual hybrid of sleekness and snugness, where you’re squeezed around what feels like an island in the bartender’s own kitchen. You can watch the team shake, swirl, rattle and pour a succinct but enticing menu of original cocktails which feature everything from micro coriander (the Nomad) to porcini mushrooms (the Nature), or sample some woody, savoury Georgian natural wine. Whether you’re booked in for dinner upstairs or have just found yourself in Fitzrovia, this place is definitely worth a pitstop.

Entering our park-view room on the ninth floor of the Athenaeum, our jaws dropped not because of the suite itself, but because it immediately lived up to its name: the south-facing hotel rooms offer tremendous views of the lush treetops of Green Park, and if you’re lucky enough to stay in on one of the top floors (nine is the highest), it’s pretty splendid. What’s more, the hotel has been designed to incorporate the park’s proximity: the compact, comfortable rooms and ground-floor reception feature floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of mirrors to complement and exaggerate the nearby greenery. Entering the hotel feels almost like you’re stepping inside an opulent conservatory.  Throughout the hotel there are nods to grand decor, but it’s not overdone. Twinkly light fixtures, velvet Chesterfield headboards and touches of gold are not going to be to everyone’s taste, but they feature in the light-flooded rooms and add glamour to mostly white walls and bedding – this hotel is in Mayfair, after all.  That emphasis on elegance is also reflected in the kind of service you get at the Athenaeum. Front of house members, at the reception during check-in and in the restaurant, were congenial, warm, but the atmosphere here is formal: there’s no small talk, no chit-chat during breakfast service – everything feels very proper.  While the surrounding neighbourhood boasts plenty of bougie places to eat, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant is a worthy alternative, particularly for afternoon t

With interiors that look like they probably haven’t been updated since the place opened in 1997, and prices that also feel like they’re stuck in the past, a trip to locally loved Bayswater restaurant The Bengal feels like stepping back in time. The dated decor serves to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy generous portions of classic curry house fare. The chef’s special bhunas and jalfrezis – both traditional Bengali dishes – stand out on a large menu of traditional Indian and Bangladeshi curries. Whether you’re sitting in or ordering a takeaway, this is a reliable option for inexpensive, flavoursome dinner. 

Located next to the south-facing exit of Queensway station on Bayswater Road, this whacky little ice cream shop serves everything from bubble waffles to soft-serve gelato and slushies, all in a vibrant array of colours and with a huge variety of sauces and toppings. Need to reward the kids for making it through that sweaty journey on the Central line? With popcorn, apple sorbet and even unicorn flavour on the menu, they’re sure to love this place.

Quite unlike the uniform streets which characterise this patch of London, The Beachcomber – a tiki bar specialising in agricole rhums from the French Caribbean – can only really be described as loud. Loud in flavour, colour, atmosphere and texture, this animated place features decorated with palm trees, faux bamboo, wooden masks and colourful lighting, and is a great spot if you fancy trying inventive cocktails made using the UK’s largest collection of rhum agricole, plus other classic tiki ingredients like cachaça, coconut cream and guanábana. It also runs a lively programme of DJ nights, rum masterclasses and open mic evenings too.

You'll need to book well ahead for Halloween at the London Dungeon – but then they do always put on a simply frightful show. This year, expect to be haunted by the ancient and sinister force which has been awakened. The Exorcism of Peter Moore will send a shiver down your spine with the chilling whispers of his lost soul — it will take some courage to bear this unsettling show.  For all the information on what's happening at the London Dungeon this Halloween, check out their website here. 

The Clapham Grand is hosting one of the most exciting Halloween seasons in London, and that of course includes some fantastic film screenings. The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be accompanied by Dreamteam dancers and hosts, special games and prizes on Halloween Saturday. Hocus Pocus will be screened on Halloween night, so you can head to one of the spookiest haunted venues in the city to celebrate the right way, supplemented with witchy dancers, games and some petrifying prizes, too! 

If you're after a spooky screening to feel completely immersed in the spirit of Halloween, the Eventim Apollo have got you covered. The Grade II listed cinema will be hosting two screenings with live bands on Halloween Sunday: Hocus Pocus and Twilight. You might have seen them a thousand times, or you might be relatively unfamiliar with these Halloween classics. One thing's for sure — they'll have new life brought to them with the accompaniment of the live music, and truly absorb the audience. If that sounds like an enchanting way to spend an afternoon, grab your ticket for the show. 

The Michelin Guide recently published a list of the most exciting food destinations in the world, but for pastry lovers out there, one country should be top of your list.  France? We thought so too, but no, the land of croissants, eclairs, macarons and madeleines was beaten to the crown of the 2025 Pastry World Cup by (drum roll, please) Japan! It defended its title at the competition in Lyon over the weekend, despite the French home crowd.  As you can imagine, crafting so much food is no piece of cake – it’s a gruelling competition and it took place on the sidelines of the SIRHA Food Exhibition, with fans packed into the rafters, waving flags and chanting their teams names.  Each team (which included a chocolatier, a sugar expert and an ice master) was challenged with making a frozen dessert, a restaurant dessert, an ice sculpture and a buffet display of sugar and chocolate centrepieces, which pays homage to their home country in their taste and appearance.  Italy utilised Amalfi lemons and hazelnuts to create pastries inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, Chile used Limón de Pica, hibiscus and mango to flavour their dragon-themed frozen dessert and champions Japan had Kyomi orange and rice-based wafers featured in their dragonfly theme.  ICYMI: These are the best cities in the world for food, according to us.   According to reports from euronews, the atmosphere at the event was palpable. However, chocolatier Jean-Philippe Darcis expressed concerns that the long-standing competitio

Ah, April: when spring has properly sprung, daylight is finally stretching into the evening and the sun is finally creeping out of the clouds. It’s a cracking time of year.  But is it hot? Well, in some parts of Europe, and plenty of destinations all over the planet, it is. In northern Europe, temperatures will likely hover around the 12-15C mark. But head to certain parts of the Mediterranean or to the tropics, and you’re looking at toasty temps between 20-30C – and of course, it’ll only get warmer the later in the month you travel. If you’re keen to stay in Europe, Cyprus and the Canary Islands brag the hottest average temperatures, sitting at around 20-23C. You can have a look at our guide to Paphos, the lovely coastal Cypriot city, or check out our roundup of the seven best Canary islands to visit, plus our in-depth guides on Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuertaventura and Gran Canaria.  Elsewhere in the world, Thailand (33C) and Costa Rica (30C) are great options in April if you’re craving some properly baking weather. Both countries are nearing the end of their dry seasons at this time of year, so check out the best beaches in Thailand and the best things to do in Costa Rica to make the absolute most of that glorious weather.  Read on for our roundup of the places we’ll be travelling to catch some rays this April.  Where is it hot in April? Europe Cyprus – 21C/70F The Canary Islands – 20C/68F Southern Spain – 18C/64.4F Rhodes – 17C/62F Photograph: Shutterstock Worldwide Tha

Uma das grandes novidades dos últimos anos é a flexibilidade no que diz respeito ao trabalho – para quem tem empregos de escritório. Há algum tempo, falámos com alguns nómadas sobre como é realmente trabalhar a partir de qualquer lugar, mas se quiser experimentar o trabalho remoto durante apenas uma semana, tem aqui a sua oportunidade. A Opera, empresa norueguesa que detém o browser com o mesmo nome, anunciou que quer convidar dez pessoas a viajaram para a Noruega, e por lá se instalarem gratuitamente durante uma semana inteira, para poderem experimentar as suas “secretárias hygge”. “Secretárias hygge”? Sim – inspiradas no conceito escandinavo de “hygge”, que se baseia na sensação de caloroso conforto e de união que se experimenta em locais frios, estas secretárias estarão situadas em cinco locais indutores de hygge, cada um deles em cabanas isoladas com vista para a paisagem fantástica da Noruega. A Opera diz estar interessada na ideia de que as pessoas incorporem uma sensação de calma na sua vida profissional, e é esse o objectivo destas secretárias. Estão disponíveis cinco locais. Há em Ålesund, com os seus fiordes circundantes; Lysefjord, um fiorde com 40 quilómetros de comprimento no sudeste da Noruega; Norefjell, uma estância de esqui a cerca de 90 minutos de Oslo; bem como as Ilhas Lofoten e Bodø, que alberga cinco parques nacionais (ambos situados no Círculo Polar Árctico e são bons locais para vislumbrar a aurora boreal). Idílico, certo? Para se candidatar, terá de s

A romantic break away with your partner can be a lovely way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but there’s one thing that can ruin the lovey-dovey vibes: too many other couples.  That’s why Nomad conducted some research by drawing on its internal data to uncover the most popular Valentine’s destinations, and scouring each country to find a just as lovely – but not so lively – alternative.  First on the list is Colmar, which the eSIM provider suggests as a replacement for Paris. Sure, the French capital is known as the City of Love for a reason (what with all these romantic restaurants), but Colmar has got it down when it comes to fairytale charm and pretty settings for a romantic stroll.  RECOMMENDED: Is Greece hot in February? The best winter sun destinations in Greece.  Thinking of visiting Lisbon this Valentine’s? Well, Nomad reckons Évora is a better option. The city, in south-central Portugal, has Lisbon’s charming buildings, romantic viewpoints and laidback atmosphere, but without all the other lovebirds queueing up for the same photo opp. There’s plenty more where that came from. If you’re ready (to travel) for love, read on.  These are the 20 best romantic dupes in Europe for Valentine’s Day Colmar over Paris Verona over Rome Chioggia over Venice Sitges over Barcelona Utrecht over Amsterdam Český Krumlov over Prague Graz over Vienna Szeged over Budapest Lucca over Florence Évora over Lisbon Stirling over Edinburgh Aarhus over Copenhagen Gothenberg over Stockholm Trogir ov

Switching to more sustainable transport options is one of the biggest changes we can make to improve our planet’s health, which is why so many people are ditching short-haul flights in favour of railway travel right now.  But our personal vehicles are responsible for a lot of pollution, too. And while some countries are doing stuff to tackle the problem, like implementing low-emission zones, Norway is on track to become the first country in the world to only use electric vehicles.  Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in Norway have soared from just 1 percent of total auto sales in 2010 to 88.9 percent in 2024, according to CNBC – and in the first few weeks of this year, that’s leapt even higher to 96 percent of sales.  Of course, there are still plenty of internal combustion engines on the roads, with EVs making up 28 percent of Norway’s car total (though in Oslo it’s 40 percent). However, the country’s goal of operating with 100 percent electric vehicles (which was established by lawmakers back in 2017) is well within grasp.  ‘We have already invited a lot of politicians and different stakeholders to a party on February 13 because, we don’t know exactly until the year has ended, but everyone says we will end somewhere between 95 and 100 percent this year,’ Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association, said. ‘In times like this with [President Donald] Trump withdrawing the US from the climate agreement, I think we need to celebrate the achievements that we hav

Sick of the winter? Craving that toasty glow of the sun on your skin? Same. And while soaking up that lovely warmth at your local beach might still be a few months away, Lonely Planet has just published its annual list of the world’s most glorious beaches for some sunny inspo.  Every year, the travel mag releases a physical guide to the best stretches of coast on the planet, but we’ve rounded up the top 10 for you to have a cheeky read.  Topping the list is Whitehaven Beach, which is nestled in the World Heritage-listed Whitsundays National Park in Queensland, Australia. If beautiful turquoise waters weren’t enough, the sand here is 98 percent silica (which means it’s softer and whiter than pretty much anywhere else in the world).  In second place is another Aussie destination – Squeaky Beach in Victoria. Its 700-metre shoreline is bordered by the state’s largest marine national park, and it gets its name from the squeaky sound made when you walk across the beach’s quartz sand.  Third was Anse Source d’Argent, a beach described as ‘heaven on earth’ by Lonely Planet, which is one of the many outstanding beaches in the Seychelles, but beaches in Norway, Greece, Thailand and Mexico were also included this year. Read on for the full top 10.  The 10 best beaches in the world for 2025, according to Lonely Planet Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia Squeaky Beach, Victoria, Australia Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles Sunset Beach, Trang, Thailand Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Aching to feel the warmth of UV rays on your skin? Struggling to remember what it’s like when the sun sets after 5pm? Same. For those of us in the freezing north, winter sun is on our minds right now – but where are the best places to head for some sweet, sweet vitamin D?  While Europe doesn’t get properly hot until well into the spring, there are still plenty of destinations that offer pleasant, balmy temperatures that will feel warm compared to the wind and rain we’ve been trudging through lately.  RECOMMENDED: The best places to visit in Greece this year, according to us One of these is the Canary Islands, which tops our list of the best places on the continent to catch some rays in these darker months. You can check out our guide to the best Canary Islands to visit here.  As far as winter sun in Greece goes, the likelihood is that in February, you won’t actually find a lot. However, temperatures on the warmest islands still teeter at around 12C (which is hardly scorching, obvs), but we’re here to make the case that February is actually a brilliant time to go to Greece.  The country has been ravaged by wildfires the last few summers, and the soaring temperatures from late spring to early autumn mean it’s basically far too hot to do anything active. So why not see Greece in February instead? Below is a roundup of four of Greece’s toastiest locations in February, as well as the best things to do when you’re there.  These are the best winter sun destinations in Greece Photo:

Airports can be stressful, busy, queue-filled places, but some of them are actually pretty nice places to spend a layover (we’re looking at you, Changi Airport).  DiscoverCars.com has asked 3,500 travellers to rate their experiences at particular airports on a scale of 1 to 10, and has ranked any which garnered 50 reviews or more into this list.  Topping the list, with an average score of 9.21 out of 10, was Christchurch Airport in New Zealand. The car rental company found that travellers tended to have a pleasant experience overall, thanks especially to good customer service offerings and the fact it’s easy to navigate.  In second place was another New Zealand hub – Queenstown Airport – and Auckland Airport claimed tenth place, with scores of 9.18 and 8.49 respectively. European hubs dominated the rest of the list, with Madeira, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura claiming third, fourth and fifth place.  These are the 10 best airports in the world, according to travellers Christchurch Airport Queenstown Airport Madeira Airport (Funchal) Lanzarote Airport  Fuerteventura Airport Athens Airport  Las Palmas Airport  Malaga Airport  Milan Airport Malpensa  Auckland Airport  Time Out’s air travel coverage Recently we’ve covered the safest and the most reliable airlines to the busiest and most turbulent flight routes in the world. Keep an eye on our travel news page for all the latest news on air travel.  Did you see that these were officially the world’s busiest airports in 2024? Plus:

Fun fact about Budapest: both the city’s cathedral and parliament building are exactly 96 metres high, originally built that way to represent the equal role that the church and the state play in Hungarian society.  However, if proposals laid out by Eagle Hills Properties – a UAE-based company which has just acquired 85 hectares of derelict land in Budapest – go ahead, the city’s skyline could be in for a complete overhaul.  Rákosrendező is an area of Budapest near a severely rundown railway station, but it’s now the focus of an agreement between the Hungarian government and the UAE, where the latter has agreed to invest €5 billion into creating a swanky new modern district.  It’s been nicknamed ‘mini-Dubai’, but will now be run under the name ‘Grand Budapest’, and includes the construction of a road overpass over a pedestrian and railway crossing, a new railway track, an extension of the M1 metro line, a cycle lane, a pedestrian zone and roofing for the train line to build a carpark on top.  Then there’s the promise of 35-40 hectares of parks and public spaces, including schools, sports and community facilities – check out the project’s webpage here.  According to Hungary Today, plans presented by Eagle Hills include buildings between 250 and 500 metres tall, which could become the tallest structures in Europe (even taller than the Empire State Building). But not everyone’s happy about the proposal – Budapest’s Ministry of Construction and Transport has stated they ‘do not su

One great thing to come out of the last few years is flexibility when it comes to working – for those of us with office jobs, that is. A while back, we spoke to some nomads about what it’s really like to work from anywhere, but if you’re keen to dip your toe into remote working for just a week, now’s your chance.  Norwegian browser operator Opera has announced it wants to send 10 people to Norway for free, to try out their ‘hygge desks’ for one whole week.  ‘Hygge desks’? Yes – inspired by the Scandinavian concept of ‘hygge’, which embodies the feeling of total warmth and togetherness you experience in cold places, these desks will be situated in five hygge-inducing locations, each in secluded cabins overlooking Norway’s knockout scenery.  The thing is, hygge isn’t just about sipping mulled wine in a cosy candle-lit room – Opera says it’s keen for people to incorporate a sense of calm into their working life, and that’s what the aim of these desks are.  Five different locations are on offer. There’s Ålesund and its surrounding fjords, Lysefjord, a 40km-long fjord in southeastern Norway, Norefjell, a ski resort around 90 minutes outside of Oslo, as well as the Lofoten Islands and Bodø, which is home to five national parks (these both sit within the Arctic Circle and are good places to glimpse the Northern Lights).  Sounds rather idyllic, right? To apply, you’ll need to get creative and tell a story about why you’d benefit from working in such a setting (I mean, who wouldn’t) a

There are a tonne of exciting celestial spectacles to light up our skies throughout 2025, and you can read about all the ones we’re most looking forward to here. However, sometimes your annual leave doesn’t quite align with the shooting stars, so you’re better off heading to an established stargazing spot that only needs clear skies to twinkle.  Astrotourism has soared in popularity by 263 percent over the last year, and Travel Republic is here to tell us where to head. The package holiday site has analysed global search data to establish which DarkSky International-certified International Dark Sky Parks are the most popular right now.  Topping the list is Elan Valley Estate in Wales, where searches have increased by a staggering 436 percent. It’s a remote location, with the estate making a huge effort to control artificial lighting, which is why it’s such a great spot for visibility.  Two areas in the US claim second and third place: the first of these is Fort Union National Monument in northeastern New Mexico, where searches leapt by 238 percent, and in third place it was Canyonlands National Park in Utah, which closely followed with an increase of 232 percent.  However, spots in South America, Asia and mainland Europe also made the list, so read on if you’re thinking about becoming an astrotourist.  The 10 top trending stargazing destinations for 2025 Elan Valley Estate, Wales, UK Fort Union National Monument, New Mexico, USA Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA Keweenaw

You won’t find many places in Europe that are properly hot until the springtime (if you’re able to go further afield, here are some of our favourite winter sun destinations worldwide). But what you will find, if you look hard enough, are some destinations that are perfectly, pleasantly warm. We recently compiled a guide to Europe’s warmest winter destinations if you’re in serious need of some Vitamin D to see you through until summer. And guess where came first? The Canary Islands, of course. RECOMMENDED: The 7 best Canary Islands to visit this year The Spanish archipelago is perched off the coast of northwest Africa with the closest point, Punta La Entallada, being just 100 km or so away from the coast of Morocco. You know what that means – warm temperatures and decent prices.  By most accounts, Gran Canaria is the warmest Canary Island in February, with average maximum temperatures of 22C, and typical lows of around 15C.  It’s worth noting that there isn’t too much difference between the islands, but that Gran Canaria comes in first place because it tends to have the warmest evenings compared to Lanzarote, Fuertraventura and Tenerife.  But warm temperatures aren’t everything, and each of the major islands (as well as the smaller islands: La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro) has its own roster of activities and sights. Tenerife is best for nightlife, while Lanzarote is best for hiking; Fuerteventura is the place to be for water sports, while Gran Canaria has a huge variety of